DSB 201: Lined Drawstring Bag, with backpack variation

 

Here's the next variation.  It is still very simple and is constructed basically the same way as the 101 version, but it has a lining fabric.  I will go through each step in detail again.  I don't know about you, but I don't learn everything on the first try.

See previous post here for an explanation about why I am writing these tutorials.
See previous tutorial here if you've never sewn anything and need a little bit more help.

By the way, click each photo for a slightly larger view if you need it.

1.  Start with 2 pieces of fabric cut the same size -- determined by the size you want your bag.  Remember, you'll lose about an inch and a quarter x2 on the ends (at least) and a 1/4 inch x 2 on the sides.  Lay the fabrics right sides together and pin the two shorter sides.
2.  Using a 1/4 inch seam, sew the two shorter sides together.

3.  Flip the fabrics right side out, and press the seam flat as seen above.

4.  Now, sew a line of stitches about one inch down from the top (or first seam) to create your casing.  Do this on both ends.  Remember to secure your stitches at the beinning and end.  Note:  If you are going to make a backpack, you'll want to use thicker cording -- so make the size of this casing large enough to accomodate two pieces of your cord with ease.

**5.  Fold your bag in half with the lining fabric on the outside.  Pin up the sides, stopping where your casing begins.  Sew up the sides using a 1/4 inch seam, stopping right where your casing begins.
** If you are doing the backpack variation, before you do step 5 see note at end of tutorial.
6.  Turn the bag right side out and press the seams flat.

7.  Cut 2 pieces of cord to desired length.  The length is width of your bag x 2 + about 6 more inches for knotting. (**For backpack variation, see below.) 

8.  Put a safety pin through the cord.  If it is something that frays easily, wrap the end with a little tape before inserting the safety pin.  To make it easy to scooch, use the biggest safety pin that will fit through your casing easily.

9.  Using the safety pin to hold on to, thread your drawstring into the casing, scooching it along inch by inch.  Go in one side, through to the other side, and come out where you started.

 

10.  Do the same with the other piece of cord, but start on the opposite side this time.  When you are done, you'll have the picture above.

11. Tie a simple knot to secure your drawstring by holding the two ends of one string even, forming a loop in the cord and pulling the end through.  You can make the knot quite close to the bag.  Repeat on the other side.
12.  Cut the ends of your cord off even, an inch from your knot -- or closer/further depending on what you want.  If your cord might fray, dab it with a little craft glue (like Tacky Glue) or fray stopping liquid (such as Stop Fray) and let it dry.
13.  You are done!  Celebrate.

Note:  This bag has exposed, unfinished seams on the inside.  It is fine for casual but is probably unsuitable for hard use or washing.  You could finish the seam with a serger I guess, but if you know how to use a serger, then you probably aren't reading this.  **Or, read comments on the previous post for more ideas on ways to finish your seams.** Thanks, Toni and Mom.  I'll have to try these ideas.

FOR BACKPACK VARIATION:
Full disclosure.  This idea was published in Good Things for Kids by Martha Stewart, Winter 2006, page 26-27.   

Before step 5 above, insert a loop of your cording (about 3 inches long) into your seam near the bottom of the bag.  The loop side should face inside your bag.  When sewing up the sides, you might want to stitch back and forth over this part before going on with your seam -- just to make it a little stronger. 

For a backpack, you'll choose thicker cording and you'll need more of it.  In a completed bag below, you can see you'll thread the cord through the top the same way, but then bring the cord down and through these loops at the bottom of the bag before making the knot.  The knot needs to be big enough that it doesn't slip through the loop (or just tie it to the loop like I did, if all else fails.)

If you try this, please let me know if something is confusing and I'll see if I can clarify.  If you have success, share with me and everyone by posting a comment with a link to your blog or photo if possible.  Happy sewing from happythings.

Comments

[Birdypups]

Yay! Thank you, thank you for making a tutorial!! It's the next project on my list. I'll show you how it comes out. I can't wait.

[Randi]

Hi,

I love this backpack tutorial! Great instructions! I write a weekly craft post for the "homeschoolblogger--company porch" and I am wondering if you would mind if I linked this post and also if I used your picture of the backpack. Of course, I would give you credit for the work!

This is wonderful!

RANDI

[Mel]

Yeah! My goddaughter has asked me for one of these and your tute will let me make a lined one (not something I "get" yet). Thanks for sharing these!

[Amy]

Shannon just made one for a little girl. It turned out cute! See here
http://shannondowdell.blogspot.com/2006/08/so-sew.html

[Char]

Thank you thank you! These instructions are so easy to follow. I made a reversable (did a variation for no exposed stitching on the lining) backpack with pockets for my 2-year old son out of vintage fabric. It is SO cute and I can't wait for his nap to be over so he can see it. He's been asking for one. Thanks! ;-)

[Chanel Cordell]

I am so glad I found your page.
I have looked at dozen of patterns online and felt stupid that I couldn't make one of these, since they look so simple.

Your tutorial breaks the instructions down to where they are easy to follow and understandable.

A Big THANK YOU!

[Adrienne]

Thank you for the great tutorial. I have always made unlined drawstring bags, but making them lined is so much better and just as easy! I just whipped one up as a last minute gift bag :)

Thanks Again!

[kyndale]

I made these a few years ago and wanted to make one again but I couldn't find my book. So, thank you SO much for doing this tutorial! I love it. Glad to find you.

[LittleA]

I made one! Thanks for the great tutorial:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22733861@N04/3502421464/